MMA Preview – Rafael dos Anjos vs Colby Covington at UFC 225

AT A GLANCE

Where can I stream UFC 225? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT website

Are tickets still available for UFC 225? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets

THE STATISTICS

THE LOWDOWN

Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington has truly lived up to his nickname over the past couple years but less for his performances and more for what comes out of his mouth. He has ruffled many feathers and offended many people - particularly the Brazilians. Leading the counter-attack for the country is Rafael dos Anjos, who is desperate to beat some respect into the man who is fire at the moment with five straight impressive wins.

As the current welterweight champion Tyron Woodley has been out of action for nearly a year with an injured shoulder, this fight also has an interim title on the line fuelling the intensity of this bout.

THE PREDICTION

Covington has earned his stellar record dominating the majority of his opponents, all based on an outstanding level of wrestling. The decorated collegiate wrestler will have an obvious game plan and considering the calibre of his opponent, it may be the only route to victory.

Dos Anjos is arguably better in every area of MMA apart from wrestling. He is a powerful striker with heavy hands and thunderous kicks which can take the legs out of any opponent and also has some of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the division.

So, if he can defend the takedown the win is there but Covington rarely fails to get his opponent to the ground and will be encouraged by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dismantling on Dos Anjos back in 2014. On the other hand, Dos Anjos will be encouraged by Maia damaging Covington on the feet in their fight.

Covington is likely to start trading with Dos Anjos but only to set up the takedown. The Brazilian will be wise to implement leg kicks to stifle Covington but it may be inevitable. When the fight does go to the floor though, his Jiu-Jitsu could help him defend the ground and pound and even wrap up a submission.

This fight can easily swing back and forth and will be decided by how long the fight stays on the feet/on the ground. This is likely to go into the championship rounds and cumulative damage could easily set up a finish for either man but their extreme cardio is likely to carry them until the bell. Dos Anjos just has the edge with more tools at his disposal.

Winner: Rafael Dos Anjos via Decision

Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric

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